Hi,
I am thinking about beginning to study shotokan karate and I was looking at the philosophy posted on this site. One of the precepts listed was to avoid violence. My questions is, is it against the philosophy of shotokan to participate in competitions, particularly full-contact matches?
Re: Shotokan philosophy
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Hi-
I have just recovered from an injury and find it hard to get back into the groove of going back to training. I find myself being more lazy and not pushing myself anymore. Any suggestions that could possibly help me??
(Just to add I am training to become an instructer and going to special classes to study and train. and I find that easy to do, it”s just that i can”t get myself to go to my own training classes) HELP please….
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When moving in Shotokan there are a few things you want to keep in mind. First and foremost is to keep your feet on the ground (unless you are jumping for a reason). I know this sounds silly, but let me explain. Having both feet on the ground adds stability to all stances. It also makes it more difficult (though not impossible) to fall victim to a foot sweep. When you are walking and/or changing stances, you want to glide the foot across the floor. Raise it enough to move it, but always be sure you are in contact with the floor.
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We’ve all heard of the three R’s, right? Well, karate has something similar. The Three K’s. What are they? Simple:
Kihon (Basics), Kata ( Forms), Kumite ( Sparring)
When practiced together, the above will help to create a more rounded martial artist. They will teach how to do the basic movements (kihon), how to put movements together (kata) and how to use the techniques in “real life” situations (kumite).
What I intend to do here is give an idea of what to expect during a karate class. This is by no means what WILL happen. Your school may be and probably is different. If your classes do not follow this outline, please don’t yell at me. I already know they don’t. Anyway…
Your basic class would usually consist of the following:
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Tsuki No Kokuro
This refers to the need to be constantly aware of the totality of the opponent and his/her movements, just as moonlight shines equally upon everything within its range. This means that one should watch just part of the opponents body such as the hands or feet, rather watch the entire body. With the thorough development of this attitude, the consciousness will be immediately aware of any openings in the opponent’s defenses.
Clouds blocking the light of the moon are likened to nervousness or distractions. These distractions stop the light from shining on everything. Likewise, they make comprehension of and reaction to the opponent’s moves more difficult than they need to be.
Mizo No Kokuro
When performing, practicing or using karate, one must maintain a “mind like water”. Yeah, right. What are you TALKING about?!?
This refers to the mental attitude while facing an actual opponent. It refers to the need of making the mind calm, like that of an undisturbed body of water.
Smooth water reflects accurately the image of all objects within its range, and if the mind is kept calm, comprehension of the opponents movements, both psychological and physical, will be both immediate and accurate, and one’s responses, both defensive and offensive, will be appropriate and adequate.
On the other hand, if the surface of the water is disturbed, the images it reflects will be distorted. In other words, if the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of attack and defense it will not properly comprehend the opponent’s intentions creating an opportunity for the opponent to attack.
Water also other properties. Water can be quite destructive. In fact, over time, water is one of the most destructive forces on earth. Your mind must be like water. When necessary, be as destructive as you must.
(Shots Niju Kun)
Karate-do wa rei ni hajimari, rei ni owaru koto wo wasuruna.
Karate begins and ends with courtesy
Karate ni sente nashi.
There is no first attack in karate.
(Shoto Dojo Kun)
Hitotsu. Jinkaku Kansei ni Tsutomuro Koto.
One. Seek Perfection of Character
Hitotsu. Makoto no Michi wo Mamoru Koto.
One. Defend the Path of Truth
Hitotsu. Doryoku no Seishin o Yashinau Koto.
One. Strive to Excel
Hitotsu. Reigi o Omonzuru Koto.
One. Be Courteous
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